Julia Mullaney | Showbiz Cheat Sheet Senior Writer

Meghan Markle Opting to Push Back Netflix Premiere Could Help Her in More Ways Than One

Julia Mullaney — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 19:01:00 +0000

2025 started off with two major announcements from Meghan Markle. The first is that she is back on Instagram, and the second is that the duchess’ long-awaited lifestyle show was about to hit Netflix on January 15.

Of course, the TV show announcement came just before massive wildfires engulfed thousands of homes in California, and Meghan and Prince Harry were on the ground to help hand out supplies as people returned to their devastated towns. Ultimately, Meghan chose to postpone the release date of her new show. Now, one PR expert is saying it could help Meghan in a number of ways.

Meghan Markle | Leon Bennett/FilmMagic

PR expert says Meghan Markle’s decision to postpone her show could help her

Meghan chose to postpone her show amid the raging wildfires, likely because it didn’t feel appropriate to premiere a joyous lifestyle show amid the natural disaster that was hurting people so close to home. Meghan released a statement saying she was “thankful” that Netflix was willing to delay the release. The show will now premiere on March 4.

“Delaying the show allows her to avoid potential backlash and demonstrates respect for the affected communities,” PR expert Mayah Riaz told Mirror, according to Express. “This brief postponement is unlikely to diminish audience interest. In fact, it may build anticipation and provide additional time for marketing efforts.” Riaz suggested that even more people could tune into Meghan’s show because they’re thankful that she chose to delay it.

“Meghan hasn’t just delayed the premiere, but she and Harry have been actively involved in relief efforts,” Riaz continued. “This has generated media coverage, indirectly benefiting the show’s promotion.”

Of course, it’s important to note that Meghan most likely did not delay the show with any intention of benefitting for herself. She delayed it because she felt it wasn’t right to premiere something so happy in such difficult times. The promotion this might bring to the show is simply a byproduct of the delay.

Meghan Markle’s new show blends food and lifestyle

Meghan’s lifestyle show has been in the works for quite some time. In the show’s trailer, she spends time with friends like Mindy Kaling and enjoys the company of others while cooking some of her favorite dishes. She can also be seen walking through her garden, picking various produce for her dishes.

It’s hard to say how Meghan’s show will go over with viewers, but Meghan is no stranger to the lifestyle space. The duchess previously ran a website called The Tig, which showcased her food, travel, fashion, and other lifestyle areas.

Jessica Simpson Hinted at a Breakup With Eric Johnson Months Ago: ‘Everything I Did Not Deserve’

Julia Mullaney — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 18:22:08 +0000

Back in 2014, Jessica Simpson tied the knot with former NFL linebacker Eric Johnson. The two first met in 2010 when Simpson was hosting a party at her home, and a friend brought Johnson to the party. After only a few months of dating, they became engaged, and they have since welcomed three children together.

However, in January 2025, Simpson announced that she and Johnson had officially separated. But there were signs that the two were having trouble in their marriage at least a couple of months before the announcement.

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson | Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Jessica Simpson hinted two months ago that she felt she deserved better

Simpson and Johnson welcomed their first child, daughter Maxwell, in 2012. Their second child, son Ace, was born in 2013. The couple tied the knot in July 2014 (Simpson said they had to change their wedding plans two times due to her first two pregnancies), and they welcomed their third child in May 2019, daughter Birdie Mae.

The couple mostly remained out of the spotlight over the next few years, raising their children and living their lives a little more privately. However, in November 2024, things took a turn when Johnson was spotted out without his wedding ring. At the time, a source told People that Johnson and Simpson “very much live separate lives.”

Right around the same time that Johnson was spotted sans ring, Simpson posted a cryptic message on Instagram about getting back into the recording studio. “This comeback is personal, it’s an apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve,” part of her Instagram caption read, referring to new music. People suspected she could be alluding to trouble in her marriage, but nothing had been confirmed.

Now, looking back on it, it seems Simpson’s message from two months ago might have been directly related to her marriage. On January 13, Simpson confirmed to People that she and Johnson are separated.

Jessica Simpson says she and Eric Johnson are still putting their kids first

Simpson and Johnson are sorting through what she referred to as a “painful situation,” but she noted that the two are both putting their kids first.

“Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them,” Simpson said. “We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family.” It’s unclear why the two are splitting, but fans certainly wish them the best as they navigate their new lives.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Blasted as ‘Disaster Tourists’ After Visiting Wildfire Wreckage — But Not Everyone Agrees

Julia Mullaney — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 13:29:15 +0000

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been living in California since 2020; it’s also the place Meghan was raised. So when the wildfires began tearing through homes in the Los Angeles area, Harry and Meghan wanted to be on the ground to help. While some people have been so appreciative of the couple, it hasn’t gone over as well with others.

Actor Justine Bateman just blasted Harry and Meghan for helping out, calling the couple “ambulance chasers.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation/Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle called out for surveying wildfire damage

When Harry and Meghan were royal family members, it wasn’t uncommon for them to tend to disaster. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s job was essentially to lend a helping hand, raise awareness around charities, and make royal appearances. However, things in the United States don’t work quite the same way, and while Harry and Meghan are determined to help those affected by California wildfires, not everyone is happy about it.

Harry and Meghan were recently photographed surveying damage to homes in the Pasadena, California area, a couple of hours from where they live in Montecito. But one actor, Justine Bateman of Family Ties, called out the couple on X for being present where she thinks they shouldn’t be.

“Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers,” Bateman tweeted. “What a repulsive ‘photo op’ they achieved. They are ‘touring the damage’? Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists.” The tweet was in response to a news video showing Harry and Meghan looking at the damage caused by the Palisades Fire.

The replies to Bateman’s tweet were mixed. Some people agreed with the actor, while others took the duchess’ side and understood that Meghan and Harry were only trying to help.

“You’re aware she was born and raised in LA, right?” one user replied, calling out Bateman for saying the couple doesn’t “live” in the LA area.

“Life is too short to be this nasty,” someone said in response to Bateman’s tweet.

Others took Bateman’s side, with one user saying, “You aren’t lying … It’s not their neighborhood,” and another person adding, “They had no business going to LA especially when other people couldn’t even tour their own homes to see if they were still standing.”

Meghan Markle has postponed her Netflix show release

In the wake of the fires, Meghan has made the decision to postpone the long-anticipated arrival of her Netflix lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan. The show was supposed to premiere on January 15, but Meghan has now pushed the launch date to March 4.

“I’m thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California,” Meghan said in a statement about her decision. Meghan and Harry will likely continue to be on the ground, despite what haters say, and lend a hand where necessary to help people impacted by the fires.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Mother Allegedly Threw Sexual Parties At Diddy’s Childhood Home: ‘That Was Just Saturday Night’

Julia Mullaney — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 16:23:00 +0000

The plot continues to thicken for hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was arrested back in 2024 on charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. After an unsuccessful attempt by his legal team to release him on bail, Diddy now remains in jail until his trial, which is set to begin in May 2025.

However, in an upcoming documentary, one former friend of Diddy’s claims that his mother also threw parties with sexual activity in Diddy’s childhood home.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs | Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ former friend says his mother threw sexual parties in Diddy’s childhood home

Shortly after Diddy’s arrest, it came out that his popular white parties from the early 2000s were often met with an inappropriate after party. People alleged that Diddy’s team would go around seeking out women, some of whom were allegedly minors, and invite them to an after party that would essentially become one big orgy. The details are slowly trickling out, but Rolling Stone recently reported that, in a new Peacock documentary, one of Diddy’s old friends revealed something starting about his mother, Janice Combs.

In Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy, Tim “Dawg” Patterson revealed something interesting about Diddy’s youth, saying his mother would often throw parties where people would be caught doing intimate acts. “That’s what we were privy to; this is what we were fed,” Patterson says, per Rolling Stone. “Was it desensitizing us? I’m sure it was. Were we aware of it? No, that was just Saturday night.”

The allegations are interesting because they paint a picture of what life might have been like for Diddy, who could have been exposed to these acts from a young age.

Suge Knight suggested Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was once abused

Although we don’t know the ins and outs of Diddy’s childhood, Suge Knight, who is a producer and longtime rival of Diddy’s, hinted that part of the reason Diddy allegedly abused others is because he dealt with it when he was coming up in the industry.

Speaking to Chris Cuomo on News Nation, Knight said Diddy “was taught [to abuse] from people before him, and he did it to the younger people after him.”

This [has] been going on in the industry for a whole bunch of years, for decades and at the same time — you know, nobody wanted [it] to be true, and it shouldn’t have to be true,” Knight continued.

Much of it is still speculation, as nobody has the whole story around what Diddy’s life growing up was like, or what he dealt with behind closed doors. Diddy’s trial is set to begin this spring.

Prince William Reveals What He and Kate Middleton Watch on Netflix

Julia Mullaney — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 01:50:41 +0000

Prince William and Kate Middleton are no ordinary couple — at least, not when it comes to their fame. The Prince and Princess of Wales are one of the most famous couples in the world, as they are first in line to the British royal throne. William’s father, King Charles, is currently king.

However, despite the massive notoriety, William and Kate like to do ordinary things. And that includes binging some streaming shows when they have a minute to themselves. William recently revealed what he and his wife are watching on Netflix.

Prince William and Kate Middleton | Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Prince William reveals his current Netflix binge with Kate Middleton

William and Kate did not have an easy 2024. The prince and princess were hit hard when Kate was diagnosed with cancer after undergoing abdominal surgery in January of last year. The princess took most of the year off, with William handling the bulk of their royal engagements; he later described the year as “brutal” — King Charles was also diagnosed with cancer last year. By the end of the year, Kate was cancer free, and it likely felt like a massive weight lifted off of his wife, himself, and their three kids.

William recently revealed that he and Kate do enjoy relaxing with some streaming shows when they have a chance. And he said that he was looking forward to watching Black Doves on Netflix. According to Express, William revealed in December that this was the current show of choice for him and his wife.

William and Kate don’t say too much about their personal lives and how they spend their downtime, so it’s always exciting when they discuss more ordinary things, such as Netflix shows, which humanizes them a bit.

Prince William and Kate Middleton will be in public more in 2025

Kate took plenty of time off in 2024 to focus on her health. Although William continued to make public appearances, he was balancing taking care of his wife and kids with performing royal duties, and he was doing his best to handle both. This year, though, he’ll have more of a chance to get back into the public eye alongside his wife.

It’s been assumed that Kate will not make the same return to the spotlight that she had prior to her diagnosis. Those close to the princess have said that she has a new lease on life and plans to strike more of a balance with work and family than she had in 2023 and years prior. William did say, however, that he is hoping he and his wife will get to take more trips this year.

Meghan Markle’s Father Shares Surprising Words About Her Ex-Husband In New Interview

Julia Mullaney — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 13:23:00 +0000

Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle’s father, has never been shy about speaking on life with — and without — his daughter. However, speaking out is also what ruined his relationship with Meghan so many years ago. Thomas and Meghan were once close, but after it was learned he had staged paparazzi photos and leaked a personal letter from his daughter, she cut him off.

Now, Thomas is still out there talking about Meghan, and this time, he’s brought her ex-husband into his latest interview.

Meghan Markle | Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Thomas Markle reveals his true feelings toward Meghan Markle’s ex-husband

Prior to meeting Harry, Meghan was an actor who starred in the USA Network show Suits. She lived a much different life than she does now, having spent most of her time between California and Toronto. Meghan was married once before she wed Harry. Meghan had begun dating producer Trevor Engelson back in 2004, and the couple wed in Jamaica in 2011. However, after about two years, they officially separated, and their divorce was finalized in 2014 — two years before Meghan met Harry.

Little was known about Engelson up until Meghan and Harry started dating, but there have always been rumors that Meghan was the one who ended the marriage, with the reasons remaining unknown. And when Thomas Markle, 80, recently spoke to Daily Mail, he chose to bring Engelson’s name into the conversation.

“”I really liked Trevor,” Thomas told Daily Mail. “I don’t think he ever understood why she dumped him, either.” It’s unclear how well Thomas knew Engelson, or whether he was intentionally bringing his name up in conversation with the hope Harry would see it. Interestingly enough, Daily Mail reports that Thomas still has wedding videos of Meghan’s wedding to Engelson.

Meghan Markle doesn’t speak to her father, Thomas Markle

Meghan and Thomas reportedly haven’t had much contact in the years that followed Meghan’s high-profile royal wedding, where King Charles walked her down the aisle instead of her dad. Thomas has never met his grandchildren, and he has never been to Harry and Meghan’s home.

It’s unclear whether there was tension previously in Meghan’s relationship with her father that ultimately led to her cutting him off after the paparazzi incident. However, Meghan and Harry have remained close with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, who lives near Harry and Meghan and spends plenty of time with the Sussex children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Thomas revealed that he plans to move to Southeast Asia, so it seems like he and Meghan might never rebuild their relationship.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Former Associate Reveals How Much Diddy ‘Hated’ Rapper Tupac: ‘Hated His Guts’

Julia Mullaney — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 13:23:00 +0000

Hip-hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ life is being revealed through those around him now that the 55-year-old rapper is sitting in jail. Back in September 2024, Diddy was arrested on charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, and while his team tried to have him released on bail, they were unsuccessful.

Now, those who have known Diddy for years are speaking up more and more about what he was really like behind closed doors. And one of his former associates, Da Band member Chopper, just revealed how much Diddy truly hated Biggie’s rival, Tupac.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs | Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs hated Tupac’s ‘guts’ according to Chopper

It’s no secret that there were some major rap rivalries back in the 1990s. Biggie, also known as The Notorious B.I.G. (whose real name was Christopher Wallace) had a long-standing feud with California rapper Tupac Shakur, known as Tupac, that’s widely regarded as one of the biggest rap rivalries of all time. And Diddy, who had signed Biggie to his record label, wanted nothing more than for Tupac to disappear. So much so, that Diddy reportedly wouldn’t let anyone he worked with admire Tupac.

In an interview with Art of Dialogue, Chopper revealed how Diddy handled it when Chopper mentioned growing up on Tupac. “I remember one time, he was like, ‘Who did you grow up listening to?’ I said, ‘Tupac — I ain’t mention Biggie,” Chopper told the outlet.

Chopper then revealed how Diddy handled his answer. “That n**** ain’t even talk to me for, like, four f**kin’ days after that…You couldn’t say ‘Pac was anything better than Biggie. You can’t put them in the same realm or nothing; it’s all about Biggie.”

“Diddy hated everything about Tupac,” Chopper added. “Diddy hated ‘Pac, facts. Hated his guts. Hated him.”

Tupac Shakur’s family hired an attorney after Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ arrest

Not long after Diddy was arrested, Court TV reported that Tupac’s family hired a lawyer to investigate whether there was any link between Diddy and Tupac’s death. Tupac was just 25 years old when he was shot and killed in Las Vegas; his murder has been unsolved for years, though Duane “Keefe D” Davis was arrested in connection to the murder back in 2023; he is currently awaiting trial.

Suge Knight, a producer and rival of Diddy’s, has long-believed that Diddy was somehow responsible for the murder, though there has not been any established connection between Diddy and Tupac’s death.

Prince William Proves He Isn’t Afraid to Be Vulnerable In New Message: ‘We’re in a New Era’

Julia Mullaney — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 16:16:56 +0000

The royal family never used to be the type of family that would show too much emotion. They never had a ton of public displays of affection, spoke out about problems or conflicts, or let anyone truly know what they were thinking. Even when Kate Middleton and King Charles were both diagnosed with cancer in the same year, little was said about how each person was doing.

Now, though, Prince William appears to be shifting the narrative a bit. The prince just sent a heartfelt message to his wife on her birthday, and it one expert believes it is the start of a “new era” for the royal family.

Prince William and Kate Middleton | Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Prince William has become a little more open about his emotions

While Kate was undergoing chemotherapy last year, very little was said about how she was doing. When asked, William would often just say that the princess was doing well. Then, in an interview while on a trip to Africa late last year, William opened up a little more; he said it had been a “brutal” year for him and his family.

When Kate’s birthday came on January 9, William wrote her a heartfelt Instagram message, opening up and getting more vulnerable about the family’s love for her. “To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable … We love you,” part of the caption read, and it was signed “W,” meaning it was written by William.

Body language expert Darren Stanton, speaking for JeffBet, said that this was a “new era” for William. “For someone to make such an overt display of public affection, whether it’s physical or a statement on social media, it usually means they are confident to speak this openly behind closed doors,” Stanton said, via Express. “This is not the behavior we’ve typically seen from older royals, but it shows we’re in a new era. William clearly loves his wife, is forging his own path as the future king, and isn’t afraid to show his emotions.”

Kate Middleton’s royal duties might look different in 2025

Prior to Kate’s diagnosis, she was taking on a royal engagement every couple of days. But there will likely be a shift in how much she appears in the public now that she is cancer-free. The princess has put a major focus on her health and her personal life, mostly being a mother to her three children.

After going through such a life-changing experience, experts believe Kate will no longer be in public multiple times per week for royal engagements. Rather, she’ll take them with less frequency and be home to spend more time with her children.

Paris Hilton Reveals She Watched Her Home ‘Burn to the Ground’ On Live TV as LA Wildfires Rage: ‘Heartbroken’

Julia Mullaney — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 16:22:40 +0000

The wildfires in California have taken the lives of at least five people and burned more than 2,000 structures, including residential homes and small businesses. Among those impacted are a number of celebrities, who have had no choice but to evacuate along with more than 130,000 others as of press time.

Paris Hilton is just one of many people whose home has been destroyed due to the fire, but she recently revealed on Instagram that she didn’t know her house had burnt down until she watched it on live television, saying she was “heartbroken” from the experience.

A swimming pool sits in the shadows of the Pacific Palisades fire | David Swanson/AFP/ Getty Images

Paris Hilton reveals she learned of her home’s fate while watching live television

So many people have been heavily impacted by the fires, most of whom are not celebrities or even people with plenty of money. But along with that, some celebrities have lost everything and were only able to leave home with what they could fit in their cars. Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, and Diane Warren all revealed that their homes were gone, with Crystal saying he had lived in that same home since the 1970s.

Paris Hilton posted a video to Instagram of a live television feed, where she revealed what had happened to her home. “Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience,” part of her caption read. “This home was where we built so many precious memories. It’s where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London,” she continued, referring to her two children.

Hilton added that she is more concerned for people who are still in the throes of the situation. “My heartaches [sic] for those still in harm’s way or mourning greater losses. The devastation is unimaginable,” she wrote.

How to help those impacted by the California fires

While it’s important to empathize with everyone impacted by these devastating fires, it’s fair to say that celebrities likely aren’t bearing the financial burden that comes with losing everything. There are so many ordinary people heavily impacted, and there are a number of ways to donate and help.

To help those by providing meals or food donations, you can donate to the LA Food Bank or World Central Kitchen.

The Salvation Army is also accepting donations of various items to go toward people in need.

The LA Fire Department is also in need of emergency tools and supplies to help better-equip firefighters with the materials needed to adequately fight the fires.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Is ‘Throwing Tantrums’ Over Attention Luigi Mangione Is Receiving, Sources Say

Julia Mullaney — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Hip-hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was arrested back in September 2024 over charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. He has remained in a New York City jail ever since, and nearly everyone has turned on him — a far cry from the attention another inmate is receiving: Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024.

Mangione and Combs are reportedly in the same jail, and now, sources claim Combs is “throwing tantrums” over how much attention Mangione is receiving.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs | BG017/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is reportedly unhappy with Luigi Mangione’s attention

There are two different situations going on between Combs and Mangione. Combs was arrested after a months-long investigation regarding sex trafficking, while Mangione was arrested for allegedly murdering a high-profile CEO. But in Mangione’s alleged quest to end corporate greed, he’s been controversially regarded by some as a hero — whereas Diddy simply has not.

According to the New York Post, Combs isn’t happy with the attention Mangione is receiving both inside and outside the prison. “Diddy has been throwing tantrums over the fact that Luigi is getting all of the attention in prison and is being revered as a hero after literally murdering someone on camera,” a source said. (Showbiz Cheat Sheet would like to note that the murder is alleged and Mangione is innocent until proven guilty.) “Even in prison, Diddy’s ego is bigger than life,” the source continued.

Combs’ lifestyle first came to light in 2023 after his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, sued him for years of abuse during their relationship. Then, in 2024, footage was leaked that showed Combs physically abusing Ventura in a hotel hallway.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs life is ‘in danger’

Combs will remain in jail until his trial, which is scheduled to begin in May 2025. The rapper has not had too many people take his side on this, and Suge Knight, a former producer and rival who is currently serving his own prison sentence for manslaughter, has said that he believes Combs’ life “is in danger.”

“I’ll tell you what, Puffy, your life is in danger ’cause you know the secrets of who’s involved in that little secret room you guys are participating in,” Knight said, per The Source. Celebrities have done their best to distance themselves from Combs, with Ray J even suggesting that some celebrities were trying to pay off victims to avoid having their own names associated with the allegations.